Author: Sam Allcock

On 2 December, the United Arab Emirates marks its 54th National Day, commemorating the union of its seven emirates in 1971 and the beginning of a remarkable nation-building journey. This year’s theme, “United,” reflects the cohesion, resilience and shared purpose that continue to define the country’s development. Throughout the Emirates, the celebrations bring together communities through cultural shows, public events and heritage displays. Streets and landmarks across the country are lit with flags and decorative installations, blending national pride with the UAE’s innovative character as people join in honouring their shared identity. UAE Media: A Chronicle of National Growth Since…

Sharjah Media City (Shams) has officially announced Shams Studios, an extensive new production hub set to elevate Sharjah’s global profile in film, streaming and television creation. Offering 9,600 square metres of custom-designed soundstages built to international technical standards, the facility is positioned to become one of the Middle East’s most advanced studio complexes. With film and TV production capacity increasingly strained in North America and Europe, Shams Studios seeks to offer an alternative for global content creators—particularly from the UK, US and India—by providing large-format stages, competitive production advantages and access to a region positioned at the crossroads of major…

Sustainability Forum Middle East (SFME) has introduced the Sustainability Futures Lab, a new initiative aimed at expanding the Forum’s role in developing human capital and reinforcing the regional sustainability ecosystem. Guided by the principle that education, skills-building and youth participation are central to long-term climate ambition, the Challenge encourages university students in Bahrain to create actionable, innovative solutions inspired by the themes of the Forum’s 4th edition. Supported by KPMG in Bahrain, and backed by the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) and the Higher Education Council (HEC), the programme builds strong links between academic talent and real-world sustainability priorities. Taking…

Emirates GBR have taken sailing’s top honour in Abu Dhabi, winning the 2025 Rolex SailGP Championship after a gripping decider at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2025 Season Grand Final, presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council. In a contest packed with intensity, split-second decisions and relentless pressure, the British team kept their composure, outperforming their closest rivals to seize their first SailGP crown in stunning fashion. Fans lining the waterfront witnessed a landmark moment for the sport as Emirates GBR surged to victory, reinforcing their place as a rising powerhouse on the global stage. Dylan Fletcher and his…

The Beyond Pink gathering united medical leaders, cancer survivors and community members for an evening dedicated to raising awareness around women’s health, early diagnosis and empowerment. Held at the Grand Hyatt Dubai and preceded by a networking session, the event opened with a welcome by Health Magazine editor Suchitra Bajpai Chaudhary, setting the stage for an informative and supportive evening. The two-hour programme featured two panel sessions moderated by distinguished journalist Manju Ramanan. The highlight was an inspiring keynote address from internationally renowned actress and author Lisa Ray, who shared her personal story of overcoming multiple myeloma. She urged the…

Driving the fusion of quantum science and satellite technology for secure global data networks The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research centre of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has entered into a strategic collaboration with Honeywell to accelerate the development of quantum-secure satellite communication systems, ensuring enhanced protection for sensitive information transmitted worldwide. As quantum computing progresses at speed, long-standing encryption models face increasingly significant vulnerabilities. Quantum key distribution (QKD) provides a resilient alternative by exploiting the quantum nature of light to generate encryption keys that cannot be intercepted or tampered with, offering a means of safeguarding…

Al Rostamani Group has officially opened three state-of-the-art agricultural facilities at the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) headquarters in Dubai. The inauguration, held in the presence of H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, marks the successful conclusion of a partnership spanning several years aimed at strengthening sustainable agriculture, scientific research and skills development nationwide. Those attending included H.E. Marwan Abdulla Al Rostamani, Chairman of Al Rostamani Group; H.E. Hassan Abdulla Al Rostamani, Vice-Chairman; and H.E. Dr. Tarifa Ajeif Al Zaabi, Director General of ICBA, along with senior figures from public bodies, academia,…

Azizi Developments has revealed a major partnership with Scheidt & Bachmann Middle East, the regional subsidiary of the long-established German technology firm, to develop and install an innovative parking management system at Burj Azizi, which is set to become the world’s second-tallest skyscraper. Based in Germany and supported by over a century and a half of technological expertise, Scheidt & Bachmann is a global pioneer in mobility and access management solutions. Its advanced parking systems operate in leading international airports, major retail complexes and landmark developments worldwide, offering automated processes, digital transactions and enhanced operational insights. Through this collaboration, Azizi…

As a major force in Enterprise Information Management, Digital Transformation and Interactive Smart Solutions, GCG Enterprise Solutions served as a key sponsor of the 6th Middle East Low Code No Code Summit, which took place on 26 November in Dubai. The event brought together innovators from across the region’s low-code no-code landscape, enabling the Company to showcase its digital transformation expertise. It also presented its distinct viewpoint on how low-code no-code frameworks are underpinning significant enterprise upgrades across the UAE’s public and private sectors, including government, financial services, healthcare, insurance and manufacturing. “The trend we’re seeing — and it’s only…

Dubai Peninsula is preparing to redefine contemporary luxury in Dubai, offering a rare waterfront destination crafted with exceptional attention to design. Owned by Bright Start and developed by H&H, this unique stretch of the Jumeirah coastline has been conceived as an immersive landscape where architecture, hospitality, culture and nature come together in harmony. With the introduction of Aman and Rosewood, and additional celebrated names soon to join, Dubai Peninsula is positioned as one of the world’s most thoughtfully curated and culturally rich resort destinations. Situated next to the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah Bay and Dubai Canal,…